Dear Saints,
Washington State Convention
I must say, from
within the depths of my soul, I am still experiencing the excitement of State
Convention! What a tremendous time, from
beginning to ending! Our International
Office Representative, Sister Kathy Creasy, was a real blessing during her
Friday evening message in which she highlighted the importance of our
children. On Saturday, she taught a
class to the pastors and church leaders on how to evaluate their Children’s
Ministry Program in their local church.
She hit on some of the main components of having an effective program,
including dependence on God, maintaining a ministry priority, and having a
determination to keep forging on. Sister
Creasy stressed the importance of identifying those gifted and called to
children’s ministry, as well as the importance of commitment to development and
future expectations.
Our Convention
Theme was “Anointed For Service.” In my
Annual Address, I discussed “What” Anointing means, “Why” we should be
anointed, and “How” we should be anointed.
I also had a section that stressed the importance of “Supporting our
State Events” and a section on “Our Children – An Heritage Unto the Lord.” These sections will be shared in future
issues of the Lamplighter.
The worship
during our State Convention, was phenomenal!
Sister Pam Murkerson and the worship team did an outstanding job! Both Spanish and English worship teams from
the churches led all of us into a Spirit of Worship. On Saturday evening, Sister Shelly Symonds
presented a message during the Youth Program that was both challenging and
inspiring. She brought out the point
that just because you don’t experience a demonstrative call from God, does not
mean that you cannot still do His will.
In fact, it is when we are obedient to His will, that we become
cognizant of our callings. Great job,
Sister Shelly!
On Sunday
morning, we had a tremendous Healing and Deliverance service. Bishop Frank Smith presented a message on
being, “Healed, Delivered, and Anointed for Service.” My, how the power fell during the Healing
Line! On that Sunday morning, there were
3 saved, and 7 filled with the Spirit, as well as numerous healings and
deliverances! To God be the Glory!
There was
record-breaking attendance at our State Convention. The Red Lion in Columbia Center accommodated
our people well. From the first service
on Friday evening, more chairs had to be brought out to accommodate the
people. This year was historic in that
it was the first year that the total Convention was translated live on the
platform from English to Spanish (or Spanish to English). The translators did a thorough and anointed
job. They certainly added to the success
of the Convention.
This year there
were some changes among State Workers and Pastors. First of all, we want to say a big thank you
for the many years of service and dedication to Sister Sherry Johnson for her
work in State Women’s Ministries, and to Sister Shelly Symonds for her work in
State Youth Ministries. Thanks also goes
to Bob and Donella Gaines for several years of working as Youth Camp
Coordinators. This year, Brother and
Sister Allaway, retired from pastoring.
However, they want to make it clear that they are not retiring from
ministry.
Our new State Women’s
Ministry Director is Sister Patty Lord.
Our new State Youth Ministry Directors and Youth Camp/Teen Retreat
Directors are Brother Joe and Sister Celina Gonzalez. Paul and Shelly Symonds were appointed as the
new Youth Camp Coordinators. Filling the
Bremerton pastorate is Brother Tim Moon.
Please join me in welcoming and praying for these new leaders in their
respective areas of ministry. We feel
that we are going to have an exceptional year in winning the lost for Jesus!
Family Camp
If you attended
State Convention you heard that our very first Family Camp is slated for
September 20-22, 2013 at our own Campground, Camp Roganunda. Directors, Bill and Cindy Davison are excited
about this Camp. Families will be able
to be together in their own cabins and activities are planned for all of the
family to participate in. You and your
family will not want to miss this important historic event! I am told that the cost per person is only
$35.00 and children under 5 will not be charged. This is a special price for this year, so
please take advantage of it. For more
information, please contact donellag@hotmail.com
or call Brother and Sister Gaines at (509) 658-1013. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
This October
24-27th, 2013 at the Kirkland Church, we will be offering the course, “The
Educational Ministry of the Church” as taught by Dr. Escobar from the
Seminary. If you are interested in this
course and in becoming a student and earning a Master’s Degree in Religion,
please contact, Dr. Don Knoblich at dknoblich@aol.com
Washington State COGOP Events Calendar for
2013
September 12-15 Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
- Boise, ID
(Church
Administration - Dr. Rodriguez) September 13-15 Alaska State Convention – Anchorage
September 20-22 Family Camp – Camp Roganunda (Bill & Cindy Davison, Directors)
October Clergy
Appreciation Month
Oct. 24-27 Gordon-Conwell
Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church(The Educational Ministry of the Church - Dr. Escobar)
November 1-3 Pastor's Wives Retreat – Port
Angeles, WA
"Anointed
For Service"
Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich
